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Saturday, April 30, 2011

ICE OUT Ely Minnesota has OPEN WATER!

Yesterday (Friday) was a beautiful day and it was warm. Haven't been able to say that for a while. In the afternoon the wind began to pick up. As the wind increased its velocity overnight Shagawa Lake succumbed to Spring - finally. The official word on time that the ice went out will come in the Ely papers next week, but that is really of little concern, because we're free!

It is a much darker and grey day than yesterday, but that's o.k. too.

Yeah!

View of Shagawa Lake (NO ICE) from Grand Ely Lodge 2011

View of Shagawa Lake (NO ICE) from Grand Ely Lodge 2011

View of Shagawa Lake (NO ICE) from Grand Ely Lodge 2011

One of the cool things about Ely is that there are several web cams up. Yesterday morning I looked at this one posted at Moose Lake. The lake was full of rotted ice. This morning... well look for yourself. http://www.customcabins.com/webcam.html

Ely, gateway to the Boundary Waters is ice free. Later, we'll give you an update on Burntside Lake which usually holds onto its ice longer than other lakes around Ely.

**************************BURNTSIDE LAKE UPDATE********************Burntside ice has moved away from shore and ice is blowing up on islands but the big bay is still mostly ice covered. That would indicate that the big lakes of the BWCAW and Quetico are still in the same shape. Maybe it’ll go out this weekend with the wind and the shift to the NW soon. Stay tuned for up to the minute reports. --- Steve Piragis

I'm the Marketing Director, Catalog Director and Webmaster at Piragis Northwoods Company and the Boundary Waters Catalog here in Ely, Minnesota on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. We specialize in lightweight canoes and camping gear and have been serving our community and the worldwide community of paddlers since 1979. We know our stuff because we get out there and paddle. We are passionate about canoeing and wilderness.

The purpose of this blog is to share knowledge that will enhance your next camping experience, specifically in the BWCA. It will be a place to share trip stories and pictures, routing information, the most current USFS information, camping tips, BWCA conditions, gear reviews, and book reviews to name a few.

Our goal is not only to share our knowledge with you, but we are looking for your input as well.We want to hear your stories, what pieces of gear you like to take on your trips, your favorite campsites—we want to build a paddling community where we can learn from each other.So, follow along, give us your input, and tell your friends.Help us share this wonderful place!